The Painted Crown by Megan Derr Review

The Painted Crown by Megan Derr



Blurb:


Prince Istari has spent his life reviled: his parents wish he had never been born, the royal court of Belemere avoids him for fear of angering the king, and everyone else is kept away by his notorious reputation as a deadly sharpshooter. Now a hostage of peace in Tallideth, he is subjected to their hatred as well—even that of Regent Vellem, who once considered him a comrade in arms.

Unexpected solace comes in the form of Lord Teverem, a sad, quiet lord who assumed the title when his brother was killed in the explosion for which Istari's father is to blame. He is kind and sweet and a sorely needed bright spot in Istari's life—until Istari meets his family and learns of a dangerous family secret with unexpected ties to Istari's past, a secret that could drag Tallideth and Belemere right back into war...


My Review:



The Painted Crown is book #2 in the Unbreakable Soldiers series. I would not call this a standalone. You need back story, though the history and plot are laid out well enough that following along isn't a hardship.

Prince Istari is between a rock and a hard place--a prisoner of peace, he is kept safe, though hardly free. His father is responsible for a horrific crime, one that shadows Istari's experience, leaving him isolated, emotionally and mentally. The secondary characters that orbit the prince are another classic trademark of Derr's work--they are real, vibrant, and enjoyable, even when acting like jerks.

Teverem is a treat. Nuanced and with depth, Teverem brings some weighty history to the relationship, as he assumed his title when his brother was killed in the same explosion for which Istari's father is responsible. Usually an insurmountable roadblock in any other story, it is merely one thing in a line of issues that the author sets up for the characters to navigate. 

Derr has an amazing capacity for creating new worlds. Her creation skills in regards to setting, environment, and how those two things influence and impact characters and plot is on a level I can only call instinctual talent. Instinct further molded by skill that ensnares the reader and leaves them captivated until The End. 

This book is emotional, the characters sympathetic and endearing, and the plot is intelligent and engrossing. Another favorite series and book. 




Buy Links:

Amazon US

Less Thank Three Press


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